Pretentious Politics

     The use of pretentious diction serves to inform and persuade. Philosopher Henry David Thoreau writes to criticize the government from a republican point of view. Traditional anti- federalist beliefs include the policy of laissez- faire; a "hands off" government approach. Thoreau supports the strength of the people over the power of the government, which rules without morality. As a resolution the author proposes we rebel, resist, and revolutionize the "bad government" we fought to gain our independence from; the American people have the right to do so as it states in our constitution. Henry David Thoreau supports his claims with his vast knowledge of american patriotism.
    The over- all tone of his essay is broken up by patriotic hymns. "I am too high- born to be propertied, // To be secondary to control,..." (King John 5.1.79-82.-- Eds.). Thoreau uses these lines to support his statement-- men must resist their tyrannical government. He later states, "All men recognize the right to revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable" (paragraph 8). By moving back and forth between citing separate sources and using his own knowledge and opinions, the author writes to establish himself as a reliable source.
     The author also tries to establish a sense of trust and credibility by citing a more abstract source-- morality. Thoreau says, "...most legislators, politicians, lawyers, [and] ministers serve the state chiefly with their heads; and, as they rarely make any moral distinctions" (paragraph 5). He implores readers to demand respect from their government. The reader is made to feel tricked, or, taken advantage of by those who hold power. The topic of slavery serves as a concrete example. It is the duty of our federal government to protect our God given, inalienable rights. Slavery however contradicts the principles within our constitution, framed by former president and republican, Thomas Jefferson. Clearly, all men are not created equal if men are still being bought and sold as property. There is little distinction between black and white within the political parties because the men of power think with a similar mind, and rule with the same desires.
     John Adams once said, "Whenever Vanity, and Gaiety, a love of Pomp and Dress, Furniture... and elegant Entertainments get the best of the Principles and Judgments of Men and Women there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what Evils, natural, moral, or political, they will lead us". This statement backs Thoreau's ideal that "government is best which governs not at all" (paragraph 1). By using his prior knowledge and his own justified arguments, Henry David Thoreau uses prevention to persuade his audience to resist the federal government and create a lasting sense of moral patriotism upon a foundation of freedom and consciousness.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton: The OG Feminist

     Before the United States were officially united, men of courage decided to dissolve political ties with Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, founding father and framer of the U.S. Constitution, outlines the colonies' grievances by utilizing syllogism. He begins by defining inalienable rights that belong to all human- beings. These rights include life, liberty, and happiness. Jefferson also declares the peoples' right to overthrow the government if these principles are not properly protected. Next, the wrongdoings of King George lll are outlined. Lastly, a resolution is proposed. Our Declaration of Independence was thus constructed in this manner. Although we gained political independence, equality and justice was still unestablished.
     Elizabeth Cady Stanton presented "The Declaration of Sentiments" at the Seneca Falls Convention  in 1848. The purpose of this declaration is to declare rights for women. She conveys this statement by  mimicking our patriarchs in the most elegant way possible. Stanton begins in a similar way. Her beliefs are stated: men and women are created equal with inalienable rights and it is the power of the government to protect these rights. If the government does not do so, the governed who suffer may insist upon a new government. Next, a list a wrongdoings is presented. Men are made to be the equivalent of King George lll, and women are The People. Ironically, women were being deprived of all rights as citizens of the United States under the "new and improved" government.
     To conclude, Elizabeth Cady Stanton declares that women are thus allowed to overthrow the government. The author says, "...because women do feel themselves aggravated, oppressed, and fraudulently deprived of their most sacred rights" (paragraph 20). The female populations' rights are not efficiently protected by the government that was designed under parallel circumstances. As a slap in the face to the patriarchal society, Stanton courageously mocks the principles of our constitution by using structure.

The Stylistic Choices of John Adams

    Language is infinitely complex, altering throughout time. More antiquated writings are not as easily comprehended, thus requiring more focus. However, one should not allow the diction and syntax to become so consuming that they take away from the actual content of the message itself. What makes the material so intricate is its peculiarity. An unruly display of capitalization, and structure creates special emphasis. John Adam's letter to his wife Abigail during the Revolutionary war is no exception.
    While fighting for liberty in the midst of war, founding father John Adams receives a series of concerns from his wife Abigail. She pleads for John to remember of the ladies, and warns him that "all Men would become tyrants if they could" (paragraph 9). With unlimited power possessed by the husbands, Abigail states that the women have no problem starting a revolution of their own in response to mistreatment and inequality. John replies, "Whenever Vanity, and Gaiety, a Love of Pomp and Dress, Furniture, Equipage, Buildings, great Company, expensive Diversions, and elegant Entertainments get the best of the Principles and Judgments of Men or Women there is no knowing where they will stop, nor into what Evils, natural, moral, or political, they will lead us" (paragraph 15). John Adams deconstructs the evils of power, and the effect it has on morality. He states that a "Love of Pomp" and "expensive Diversions" will take control of anyone's better judgment-- both men  and women.
     Within this run- on sentence, there is an emphasis. A long list of lavash items are recited vigorously, ensuring a sense of conviction. Words with connotation such as "Vanity", "Dress", and "Furniture" stand out in reader's mind, bringing thought focused upon riches, power, and glory. Random punctuation is seldom seen today in the English language. Mr. Adams manipulates these factors to show fervor towards the matter of discussion.
    I admire how John Adams writes in a fashion that embodies character. The stylistic choices are not intended to be poetic, however passion shines through beneath his diction and syntax. Although seemingly peculiar, the most messages can be discovered not within the actual text, but rather between the lines.

Why So Serious?!

    Society shames individuality. We are encouraged to be ourselves, but with certain requirements. If our goal is to achieve acceptance, failure is inevitable. When we strive to be accepted, we are essentially demanding perfection from ourselves. By living under these unrealistic expectations, we lose ourselves and become less and less of an individual.
     Realistically, we are shamed for what makes us individuals. In his essay, 'Me Talk Pretty One Day', David Sedaris writes, "How often is one asked what he loves in this world... How often is one asked and then publicly ridiculed for his answer?" (para. 13). In this quote, Sedaris questions the systematics of society's behavior. A feigned interest becomes belittlement. In this response we correct our behavior and seek refuge in popular consensus. An attempt of self- expression results in humility.
     Our reactions to humiliation must be adjusted. As a solution, we must structure ourselves. This can be done through laughter. Yes. Laughter. Why take every opinion so seriously?! By finding positively in discomfort, our skin gets a little thicker. Not only are we able to laugh off the "haters" but we also are able to push ourselves; not to perfection but self-improvement rather. We eliminate the savage desire to fit in by becoming the best versions of ourselves. The best way to successfully maintain individuality is to just lighten up!

Into Adulthood

    The teenage years. You're either too old to participate in the activities you once loved, or too young to  make grown- up decisions. We often feel confined, like wild wolves in a cage-- except this enclosure is actually called high school. Don't get me wrong-- I believe this institution is completely necessary, despite its negative connotations. Becoming a well- rounded citizen determines how we function in society, and helps us to decide which path we'd like to take in life. Our attitude towards life or adulthood itself however yet been matured. Therefore, we must not rush ourselves out of adolescence.
     Our education gives us a taste of what career path we may pursue. With so many options, we stress so much about choosing a career path that we will posses for the rest of our lives. Our provincial mindsets do not allow us to see beyond the false pretense that the "destination" is more important than the journey itself.
      In his article 'Let Teenagers Try Adulthood', Leon Botstein writes, "By the time those who graduate from high school go on to college and realize what is really at stake in becoming an adult, too many opportunities have been lost and too much time has been wasted" (para. 5). In this quote, Botstein claims that in dreaming of adulthood, we are wasting our time. Similarly, I believe that in yearning for the future, we are missing the present. There is nothing wrong with having apparitions, however.
    Because we are young, we have more than enough time to both discover our passion(s) and dream of a life beyond adolescence. We are constantly growing and making new discoveries, therefore learning more and more about what makes us happy. A sheltered childhood acts as a safety net to catch us when we become lost in our pursuit of happiness. Life is truly about the journey, not a destination. If we are not able to recognize this during out transition into adulthood, we will spend our lives in disappointment, always awaiting something more.
     Take what life offers you, and enjoy the ride; beginning to end.

Walt Whitman- Slang response questions

1. Slang is particularly American to Walt Whitman because he believes the English language is a by-product of combining cultures.
2. Whitman discusses language in his opening paragraph to lay a foundation for his essay. He states his opinions of language and how it has developed into something so magnificently complex. He concludes paragraph one by conveying that our words and expressions bring liveliness to our speech.
3.Slang is "lawless" because it disrupts traditional format. There is no specified place, definition, or part of speech for slang. For example, swears can be used in place of a noun, to describe something, or as an interjection.
4. Whitman uses metaphors to describe slang as " a mighty potentate" that enters "even the stateliest ceremonies like one of Shakespeare's clowns". He also uses a metaphor to describe slang as a "fermentation" or "eructation" or the "old world mythologies". I believe his first metaphor is more effective than the second because it provides the reader with a more pleasant connotation than that of a "belch". The first metaphor is also more fitting because it adds excitement and strengthens his cause to of using slang.
5. Rather than using a series of abstract metaphors, Whitman makes his argument "plainer" by citing exact examples and definitions of everyday slang.
6. Whitman relates slang and mythology by claiming both "attempt to escape bad literalism" throughout the ages.
7. Paragraphs 6-10 show that slang is contingent upon location, time, tastes, needs, and ties. They form within local communities, disperse, and resinate; thus contributing to the "melting pot" that is our English language.
8. I believe Whitman's opinion of American humorists strengthens his argument. Slang adds camaraderie. Philologists are considered dry and sacrifice their humor as they conform to grammatical norms.
9. The tone of this essay is genuine, imaginative, lively, and lighthearted. The final paragraph incorporates all of these descriptions as seen throughout his essay.
10. This essay reflects Whitman's poetry in terms of tone. His works are free spirited and break traditional molds of literature. An example of this would be the poem "Pioneers! O Pioneers!", calling young generations to seize their youth and pursue adventure.
11. Whitman defines slang as an "escape from bald literalism" (paragraph 2). I can apply this to my own writing by not conforming to the literary norms that govern how I would typically write. By avoiding rigid format and using simpler words or phrases I can create more genuine works.
12. I support the view on American Slang by Tom Dalzell. Although teachers, parents and other figures of authority can monitor the clothes we put on our bodies or the hair/ makeup fads we try, they cannot oppress the thought process of our generation. Slang holds deep roots within our individuality. We are able to express ourselves through movement, music, and poetry. Authority cannot patrol the culture that shapes our generation.

The Intimacy of Language

     Often times, as writers, we tend to use pretentious diction in order to persuade our audience under false pretenses. We use ready made phrases and lengthy- vocab to trick readers or listeners, assuming they will take us more seriously. Of course, this is not a realistic reflection of how the human mind works. Amy Tan is her article "Mother Tongue" states that we profess our imperfect thoughts in imperfect phrases.
     Tan distinguishes two types of audiences: unfamiliar, and intimate. When addressing strangers, we tend to express ourselves in a manner that may earn us more respect. In comparison, Tan recalls what it was like having a mother who speaks "broken english". Her mother was not given the respect and attention she deserved merely because her English speaking skills were limited. I believe we subconsciously avoid this issue by over compensating with heavy diction that merely complicates what we are trying to convey.
   The author implores her readers to write with passion, intent, imagery, and flow. She suggests picturing an audience for anything you write. To blur the line between our intimate and unfamiliar audiences, we should do as follows:
            1.) Write simply
            2.) Be straightforward
            3.) Be concise
    Speak what is on your mind, write with conviction and picture your ideal audience. Express your inner thoughts in the most imperfectly perfect way you know how. There is nothing "broken" about our language; something so raw; so simple; so intimate, as our natural speech is a beautiful thing.